An important question about the retrovirus XMRV, which has been implicated in prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome, is where the virus replicates in humans. Such information would provide clues about how infection might be transmitted. To date the virus has been detected in malignant prostate cells and in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma of patients with CFS. A new study reveals that XMRV is present in respiratory secretions.
Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect XMRV in 267 respiratory samples taken from German patients. One group comprised sputum and nasal swab specimens from 75 travelers from Asia who had respiratory tract infections. The second group consisted of 31 bronchoalveolar lavage samples from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, …

Original post by virology blog and software by Elliott Back

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) is a private, non-profit institution located in the eponymous town on Long Island, New York. Over 400 scientists work there on a wide range of biological problems, including cancer, neurobiology, plant genetics, and genomics. CSHL has a storied research history, having hosted nine Nobel Laureates. But it is also well known for its world class scientific conferences. The first of these was the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Symposium on Quantitative Biology, which was held in 1934. Another well known event is the Phage Course, founded by Salvador Luria and Max Delbrück in 1948. There are now over 24 meetings held annually. One of these is the meeting on retroviruses, which will begin on 24 May 2010. Below is a list of the presentations about XMRV, the n…

Original post by virology blog and software by Elliott Back

The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved the drug Provenge for use against prostate cancer. Oncologists such as Dr. Nina Bhardwaj are heralding it as a major advance. The drug is manufactured by Dendreon Corporation. (Source: Inside Surgery)

Original post by Inside Surgery and software by Elliott Back